English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

wastebasket

Wastebasket (noun) means a small bin, usually kept indoors, for throwing away rubbish. Example: “He crumpled the letter and tossed it into the wastebasket.”

noun
1
A small bin, usually kept indoors, for throwing away rubbish.
"He crumpled the letter and tossed it into the wastebasket."

How to use wastebasket

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small indoor bin for rubbish.

UK vs US

More common in American English; British English usually says "wastepaper basket" or "bin."

Word forms

wastebasketed past tense, wastebaskets plural, wastebaskets singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “wastebasket” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He crumpled the letter and tossed it into the _____.

Etymology

From waste + basket.

waste basket circular file wastepaper basket waste-paper basket

Rhymes for wastebasket

See all rhymes for wastebasket →

Frequently asked questions

What does “wastebasket” mean?

The word “wastebasket” means a small bin, usually kept indoors, for throwing away rubbish. In plain terms, a small indoor bin for rubbish.

How do you use “wastebasket” in a sentence?

Here is “wastebasket” used in a sentence: “He crumpled the letter and tossed it into the wastebasket.”

What part of speech is “wastebasket”?

“Wastebasket” is a noun.

What is the meaning of wastebasket?

"wastebasket" (noun) means a small bin, usually kept indoors, for throwing away rubbish.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial